Extremely High TSH + Depression

[lss118]

I was diagnosed in May with Graves and had the radioactive iodine treatment. It took me 3 months to get an appt. with an endricinologist and by the time I had blood levels done, my TSH was 118. He has started me on 88 synthroid and I have been taking for two and a half weeks- still no improvement. My energy level is below zero and I am concerned. How long will it take me to feel some improvement? I know it may be weeks/months before a return to normal, but should I be feeling any better soon.
I also suffer from depression and did even before the low thyroid. I take Lexapro 5mg. nightly.
I am feeling overwhelmed, tired, and dizzy. Menstrual cycles are coming every 25 days and are very heavy.
I am a school teacher and very concerned about returning to work this week, and even though the doctor said he could give me a week of medical leave-even that makes me feel depressed. I like my job and want to be able to perform my duties. I don't know how hard to push and am afraid I am wearing myself down- psychically and mentally.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated- I am 44 years old- 140 lbs. and 5'3".

Thanks!

[Smilerdeb]

I am no Doctor but have seen it all before with RAI.
The Docs let you literally PLUMMETT into Hypo he// and thats whats happened with you.
I would 'up' the dose to 100mcg after going for labs (get yr local Doc to give you lab sheets ahead of time).
Then I would increase to 100mcg and have labs done every 3-4 weeks.
This is not an overnight 'fix'...it is going to take a few months to get that TSH down.
You need at least 4 weeks to get a correct reading with a T4 med.
My Doc started me on a low dose too but he also increased it by 12.5mcg every 2 weeks until I got to the stage where I am at my 'comfort' level and am stable.
It wouldve taken approx 4 months all up...but I am very drug sensitive so thats why he was on a 'go slow'.

Take an extra week off work, you are going to need it.
Start yourself on Calcium/Vitamin D combined , Vitamin B12 and you will notice a big difference within a week.
Brain fog will start to clear and so too will the aches and tiredness.
You wont feel 100% until your levels are within range and you are stable with them.
Forget the Endo.....your local Doctor can just do as well as the Endo and it makes me sick to know he let you plummett that high into Hypo when theres no need for it.
Go for labs every 4 weeks and get FT3, FT4 and TSH done. FT4 should be mid-high range and FT3 should be high range, TSH should be 2.0 or under (whichever is comfortable for you).


Debs (Graves/Hyperthyroidism & RAI June 2008 and doing great!)

[thelma201]

2 1/2 weeks isn't long enough to make much difference in the way you feel, that can take as long as 6 weeks. You're feeling hypo now, maybe 88 isn't quite enough, but they say take it slow ..what are your #'s : TSH, FT4, FT3 now? Was the TSH at 118 just 2 and 1/2 weeks ago? your doc is probably being careful not to give too much when first starting the levo, i think they can up it a little after about a month, but you may feel better by then...it's frustrating to get the right dosage for most of us, me included! take the time to get well....take that week off if you need